How Neanderthals gripped retouchers: experimental reconstruction of the manipulation of bone retouchers by Neanderthal stone knappers

When studying bone retouchers, researchers pay close attention to the morphological characteristics of tool’s active zone, and lithic raw material processed. In our research, we found that orientation retoucher in hand grip employed retain manipulate it are crucial factors affect retoucher’s zone. By examining two alternative grips for manipulating retouchers ((1) Using all fingers one a power grip; (2) only first three digits pinch grip), when is held manner, area larger, as amount removed by retoucher. was pinched with precision grip, retouch damage more densely concentrated less removed. The have greater influence on than extent use, which assessed measuring number stone tool edges gripping hand, knapper automatically applies force, results removal bone. Comparison experimental those recovered from Middle Paleolithic archaeological contexts Chagyrskaya Cave (Altai, Russia) revealed Altai Neanderthals practiced methods grasping three-finger being dominant.